Mosquitolessexploring options in mosquito killers, repellents, and control

Think twice before using insect repellents that contain common active ingredient, DEET. Recent studies have found DEET to be toxic to the nervous system central in both mammals and insects. Although DEET is very powerful in repelling insects, possible side effects are too dangerous to ignore.

One of the ingredients most common asset in the synthetic insect repellents is DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET is a powerful insecticide used in more than 400 products. Discovered in 1953, DEET is now the most common active ingredient in insect repellents. Each year, one third of all Americans are covered with products containing DEET. This powerful ingredient repels insects, especially mosquitoes. With the prevalent mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile fever and illness Lyme DEET repellents have become even more popular.

Before slathering on DEET-containing products, however, we take a look at some of possible side effects of these chemicals in the human body. Research at Duke Medical Center in North Carolina found that exposure extended to DEET can damage the brain, leading to problems such as muscle weakness, incoordination, and difficulty with memory and cognition.

In the latest study, French scientists Lapier Vincent Corbel and Bruno found that DEET is toxic to the central nervous system. They found that DEET inhibits the key enzyme activity of the central nervous system, acetycholinesterase both insects and mammals. These neurotoxic effects of DEET are particularly damaging when used in combination with other insecticides, as organophasphate and carbamates, which increases toxicity. Unfortunately, these insecticides are often combined with DEET in insect repellents.

Natural, effective and safe alternatives to DEET are available. Insect repellents can be made with natural ingredients and organic are not dangerous to humans. Many products are made from natural sources that repel certain insects. These natural insect repellents are made primarily from essential oils derived from plant sources. Most natural repellents as effective as DEET, and have a great advantage because the ingredients are not toxic to humans.

Repellents that contain the natural eucalyptus oil have been found to be highly effective and nontoxic alternative to DEET. Many of natural insect repellents also contain aromatic oil of citronella, which has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a non-toxic pesticide. Plants such as lemon grass have also proven effective against mosquitoes.

Although DEET is very effective as an insect repellent, safety is questionable. DEET is a pesticide moderate and studies have shown that may not be suitable for use in and around water sources. Natural, Organic Insect Repellent that contain no harmful artificial ingredients available and are as effective. Therefore, the health problems of the use of DEET are far superior to its effectiveness against insects.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Beware of DEET in Insect Repellants

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